Angels Land in Dallas

By Analiz G. Schremmer

(DALLAS, Texas) — Ten Russian orphans landed in Dallas on July 31 for what may be some of the most exciting days of their lives.

The children are participating in Angels from Abroad, a three-week orphan host program of Dillon International and Buckner.

After a long journey, they climbed off the bus carrying only the bags under their eyes, since they will each get a suitcase full of new clothes during their visit. When the children walked into the Buckner children’s home, they revived at the sight of balloons, snacks and pictures of themselves and their host families all over the walls.

Meanwhile, host parents waited for their turn to meet the children. Greg and Lisa Lee, who hope to adopt Sarah, 9 and Michael, 12, were getting a little anxious.

Russian orphans who are not adopted by the time they turn 16 are put out into the streets with little to no hope for a happy future. So a permanent home would be the best thing that could happen to this sibling pair.

The Lees have an adult son who is now married. Now, they said they feel ready to start over again.

“We looked at our house and thought, ‘We’ve got enough room. We’ve got a heart for the children. Why not?’”

When it was their turn, the Lees were escorted into a room to meet the children with the help of a translator. They pull out pictures of Sarah and Michael and told them about their home.

Sarah told the translator that she would like them to know that she is a dancer. Then she stood up and did a quick routine. The Lees clapped out loud.

“You will have your own rooms with clothes in the closets,” Greg said through the translator. “And we heard you like animals. We have a dog and three cats.”

The kids giggled and look at each other. Then the whole group took their first picture and then waved goodbye as they headed out to the car.

The children will participate in a number of activities over the three-week period, including Vacation Bible School, swim parties, makeovers, an evening at the Mesquite Rodeo and more.

Follow the Angels stories at www.angelsfromabroad.com. And check in regularly with Tiffany Wilkins, host parent and program coordinator, at http://blog.angelsfromabroad.com.